Read the June 2023 issue of the Diocesan newsletter, "The Belleville Deacon"

A Blessed Pentecost to You! This great feast of Pentecost gives us as a parish an opportunity to really celebrate the gifts of the Holy Spirit so visible in our midst here at St. Clare. Our parish picnic this weekend especially celebrates our unity in the midst of our diversity. The various ethnic groups represented at the picnic help us see how diverse our parish is: from the founding immigrant European families who moved here in the 1800’s to the newer parishioners from cultures around the world. I am so grateful to all who helped with the picnic planning, especially our talented parishioners who made all the food. Two other important topics/dates...READ MORE

APRIL/MAY CLASS: The last two months of formation were focused on the study of Catholic Sexual Morality teaching. We learned how to better understand, dialogue and respond to the many cultural challenges to the Christian view of sexuality. The course discussed how many sexual images appear in our society, but it is rare to find a coherent discussion on the meaning and purpose of human sexuality. The course examined God’s design for married love according to the teachings of the Catholic Church...READ MORE

St. Clare Parish Women’s Spirituality Group Presents: Church Architecture and Spirituality St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church Thursday, June 15 at 6:00 PM Join other women of the parish and Father Jim for a tour and talk about the images and symbolism of our architecture and sacred art with ways they can deepen our spirituality...READ MORE

We are so blessed to have such an active “Respect Life Ministry” here at St. Clare, with lots of faithful members led by Mary Fleming. I am grateful for how this team stays proactive on many life issues. We are honored to be hosting a special Mass with Bishop McGovern on May 31 at 6:00 p.m. to pray especially for various life issues being challenged in our state and local area. See the invitation from our bishop below, and plan to join us for this important prayer time for a greater respect for human life in all its stages...READ MORE

Happy Mother’s Day! I am always amazed at women who are called to be ‘moms’ who do so much for their children and family life. In addition to being extremely grateful for my own mom, who taught me so much about love and kindness to others, I am also grateful to all the moms in our parish who inspire me by their generosity...READ MORE

Celebrating Deacon Ordinations June 3, 2023 - St. Clare Parish is so honored to have two candidates for Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate: Dan Kimutis (wife Kris) and Len Ratajczyk (wife Tami). Please mark your calendars for two important dates: + 3 June ~ their Ordination at St. Peter Cathedral in Belleville + 28 May ~ our parish’s (pre) celebration taking place at our Pentecost Festival Dan and Len have been very involved in various ministries at St. Clare and we are quite excited that our Bishop has appointed them to remain at our parish for their assignment as Deacons. Len’s “First Mass” as deacon will be Sunday, June 4, at the 8:30 Mass and Dan’s “First Mass” as deacon will be Sunday, June 4, at the 10:30 Mass... READ MORE

Read the May 2023 issue of the Diocesan newsletter, "The Belleville Deacon"